Approximately fifteen moms and children from the Greater Bedford Christian Educators visited the firehouse today to learn about fire safety and prevention. Each kid was given his or her own helmet and was given the opportunity to spray water with a hoseline. The kids also got to see the firemen in action during their visit when Company 1 was dispatched to a reported fire in a woodline on Peaks Road. Anyone interested in either visiting the firehouse or having the firemen come to a location to speak before a class or group can contact 540-586-3433.
Just before 1500hrs Company 1 and Squad 1 were dispatched to the 6000 block of East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike for a MVA involving a tractor-trailer and a truck. Engine 1 with four arrived first to find a truck with heavy damage and both east bound lanes of Route 460 blocked. Rescue 1 with six remained on scene long enough to contain fluid leaks and then returned to service per command Chief Stone. The driver of the Toyota had minor injuries and was transported by Medic 1.
At approximately 1615 hrs Company 1 was dispatched to 924 Blue Ridge Avenue for smoke in a private dwelling. Wagon 1 with four arrived to find a single-story wood frame dwelling with nothing showing from sides 1 and 4. While enroute Ladder 1 with four heard command request a heavy-duty wrecker to be sent to the scene and knew something out of the ordinary had happened. Ladder 1 arrived to find Wagon 1 stuck in a 2-3 foot deep ditch in front of the address with the Chief shaking his head. Per command Ladder 1 took the 1-4 corner and set its aerial to the roof to check for a possible chimney fire. Interior W-1 encountered a moderate smoke condition inside the residence but could find no visible fire. After checking further the interior crew discovered that the damper was improperly set on the home owners wood stove and was the cause of the smoke on the interior. Units took up after the wrecker pulled Wagon 1 to safety.
At 0949hrs Ladder 1 was dispatched by request of Chief 8 Tuck to respond to 16430 Booker T. Washington Highway in Franklin County for a working fire inside of Mangos Bar and Grille at the Bridgewater Plaza. Companys from Franklin County arrived around 0930hrs to find heavy smoke showing from a three-story strip mall and immediately requested fire boats from Company 11Smith Mountain Lake to respond for water supply. Chief 11 Gautier requested that Company 8 Moneta be dispatched to assist as an extra engine company fire station 8 is actually the closest firehouse to the incident but does not respond normally because Bedford Countys border is 1000 feet shy of the address. Chief 8s request for a RIT team brought Ladder 1 with 5 to the incident at just after 1000hrs. Ladder 1 arrived and was asked by command to stand down as RIT and to perform ladder company operations on the interior. Smoke conditions had somewhat deteriated since the first due units arrived and knocked down the initial fire but fire was still believed to be in the walls on the first and second floors. Ladder 1s crew worked for over an hour cutting walls out and overhauling to find the hidden fire that initial crews couldnt. Ladder 1 returned to service at 1200hrs.
